Feminism is what exactly?

When we hear the word/s "Feminism", "Women's Lib", "Feminist/Women's Movement" I doubt we all react the same. While we are all women, rarely do we see the world through the same focused lens. Some of you are probably rolling your eyes even now thinking "this topic is so boring/controversial/over-discussed/liberal (which holds its own connotation)" while others are all set and ready to discuss the topic thinking "this is something that is so important/understated/misunderstood/ignored".

So, before leading this discussion in a specific direction, I'm interested what established thoughts/preconceived notions you already hold about this topic of feminism. I know several of you out there are well-read on the topic and can offer some insight. Others may have been avoiding this topic, feeling that it will disrupt the balance in the home and/or religion. But, I think together we can discover the complexity (or simplicity) of what feminism really is and what it has to offer us.

Women of 2008

As we look back on 2008 and ahead to 2009, I thought it would be appropriate to honor a few notable women of 2008.

Ingrid Betancourt (Colombia)
Miriam Makeba (South Africa) died this year
Hilary Clinton (USA)
Jestina Mukoko (Zimbabwe)
Barbara Hogan (South Africa)
Aung San Suu Kyi (Burma)
Bettie Page (USA) died this year
Helen Zille (South Africa)
Benazir Bhutto (Pakistan) assassinated

With this list comes the reminder of how many other women, without the public light, go about making a difference for good in the world. Some of them may go unnoticed, but for those of us whose lives they touch, we know who they are and admire them for their strength. Who are some of the women who have touched your life for good?